Who is St. Cyriakos?

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10

Saint Cyriacus (also known as St. Kyriakos or Abu Qirqa) is one of the most beloved child martyrs in the Coptic Orthodox Church. His life and martyrdom serve as a powerful testament to the fact that the grace of the Holy Spirit is not limited by age.

Life and Martyrdom

Saint Cyriacus was born in the city of Iconium. During the persecutions initiated by the Roman Emperor Diocletian, his mother, Saint Julitta, fled with him to Tarsus to escape the governor. However, they were eventually captured and brought before the governor Alexander.

The governor, seeing the beauty of the three-year-old child, attempted to win him over. While Saint Julitta was being tortured for her refusal to sacrifice to idols, the governor took Cyriacus onto his lap, trying to comfort him and entice him with treats.

In a display of divine courage, the three-year-old child resisted the governor. When his mother cried out, "I am a Christian," the child boldly repeated her confession, shouting, ("I am a Christian"). He then scratched the governor’s face and kicked him in the chest. Infuriated, the governor threw the child down the stone steps of the tribunal, causing the child’s skull to fracture, which led to his immediate martyrdom. His mother, St. Julitta, thanked God that her son had preceded her to the heavenly kingdom before she was subsequently beheaded.

Liturgical and Historical Significance

In Coptic tradition, Saint Cyriacus is often referred to as the youngest of the martyrs. His bravery is frequently cited to shame the cowardice of heretics and those who deny the faith under pressure.

• Presence in Churches: Several ancient Coptic churches contain his relics. For instance, the Church of the Virgin at Wadi Sarjah (south of Asyut) is associated with his memory. Furthermore, within certain ancient sanctuaries, his relics are kept alongside other great saints.
• Veneration with Other Saints: As noted in historical records regarding Coptic sanctuaries, Saint Cyriacus is often mentioned alongside other famous military saints and martyrs. In one particular sanctuary, his remains are kept with those of Saint Mercurius (Abu Sayfayn) and Saint Theodorus (al-Amir Tadrus).
• Feast Days: The Coptic Church commemorates his martyrdom on 15 Abib, while the sanctification of certain churches bearing his name or containing his relics is celebrated on other dates, such as 20 Hatur.

Saint Cyriacus remains a symbol of the "perfected praise" mentioned in the Psalms: "Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have ordained strength, because of Your enemies" (Psalm 8:2). His life reminds the faithful that even a three-year-old can possess the spiritual maturity to defeat the wiles of the devil and his earthly agents.